Controlling the farmer: colonial and post- colonial irrigation interventions in Africa

Maurits W Ertsen

doi:10.4102/td.v4i1.167

Abstract

Aiming at full control over farmer actions was a shared characteristic of colonial irrigation engineering approaches. However, the way control was sought in African irrigation projects was different from Asian colonies. This paper traces the origins of colonial approaches to irrigation development in Africa and the continuities between colonial and post-colonial approaches. The Kano River Project in Nigeria, part of a larger irrigation development program from the late 1960s and early 1970s, serves as a typical example of a post-colonial irrigation system in which engineers drew upon colonial experiences. The Dutch engineers responsible for developing the system applied technologies from the Netherlands East Indies to regulate water flows in the system. At the same time, they engaged in a debate on how to organize farmers in the project to ensure efficient and rational use of water in irrigated farming. They joined project managers in viewing strong control over farmer production – a central feature of African colonial irrigation projects – as key to success. However, given the social conditions in the Kano area, particularly landownership, this strong control proved difficult to realize.

Highlights

The development of water resources in Africa was a central concern for both colonial and post-colonial governments
The approach Kano River Project (KRP) managers took to control farmers in Nigeria in the 1970s should be examined in the context of an established, colonial perspective on African irrigation
The authors never explicitly mention that British colonial administrators initially developed the project. In their technical discussion on the differences between irrigation approaches between engineers and African farmers, they fail to examine the role of colonial irrigation approaches in shaping these approaches (Ubels & Horst 1993)

Summary

Introduction

The development of water resources in Africa was a central concern for both colonial and post-colonial governments. The approach KRP managers took to control farmers in Nigeria in the 1970s should be examined in the context of an established, colonial perspective on African irrigation. The authors never explicitly mention that British colonial administrators initially developed the project In their technical discussion on the differences between irrigation approaches between engineers and African farmers, they fail to examine the role of colonial irrigation approaches in shaping these approaches (Ubels & Horst 1993). This does not imply at all that elements of these approaches are not feasible, as the example of teh Begemann gate illustrates What it does imply, is the need to recognize the close relationship between colonial politics and engineering design and/or management. Both schemes allowed for the control of farmers by the irrigation agency. With fewer options for strict control, post-colonial schemes like the KRP had to focus on building support structures for farmers instead of applying coercion and force

Colonial irrigation in Asia

Final warnings

General approach

Field staff

Tenancy arrangements